St. Louis Auto Show Celebrates 100 Years of Automotive Fascination

The annual event, which debuted in 1926, continues to draw crowds at America's Center convention complex.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The first St. Louis Auto Show took place in 1926 at the newly constructed Union Market building, featuring 275 different car models from around 50 manufacturers. The show, which cost nearly $20,000 (over $363,000 in today's money) to transform the "harsh, commercial building into a bower of beauty," quickly became a popular annual event that continues to this day at the city's America's Center convention complex.

Why it matters

The St. Louis Auto Show has been a fixture in the region for a century, reflecting the city's longstanding automotive heritage and passion. As one of the longest-running auto shows in the country, it provides a window into the evolution of the industry and changing consumer tastes over the decades.

The details

The 1926 St. Louis Auto Show featured a wide range of vehicles, from luxury Rolls-Royce and Duesenberg models to more affordable Ford, Star, and Gray cars. The event was held on the upper floors of the newly constructed Union Market building, which had been specially decorated with multi-colored drapes and lighting to create an elegant atmosphere. Over the years, the show has grown and moved to larger venues, but it has maintained its status as a premier automotive showcase in the Midwest.

  • The first St. Louis Auto Show took place February 22-27, 1926.
  • The 2026 St. Louis Auto Show will mark the 100th anniversary of the event.

The players

St. Louis Automobile Dealers' Association

The organization that has hosted the annual St. Louis Auto Show since its inception in 1926.

Union Market

The historic building in St. Louis that hosted the first St. Louis Auto Show in 1926, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

America's Center

The current venue for the St. Louis Auto Show, located in downtown St. Louis.

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What’s next

The 2026 St. Louis Auto Show, marking the 100th anniversary of the event, is expected to be a major celebration of the city's automotive heritage and the evolution of the industry over the past century.

The takeaway

The St. Louis Auto Show's enduring popularity over the past 100 years reflects the city's deep connection to the automotive industry and the public's ongoing fascination with the latest advancements in vehicle technology and design.